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16 Inch White Gold Chains

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18 Carat White Gold Brown Diamond Necklace
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
gold. This Necklace length is 16 inches.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k 14k White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, clarity VS .40pts. Weight: 3.9 Gr Length: 16 inch chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Heart Necklace White Diamond 14k Gold Choker
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
white single-cut diamonds (three in each heart) • Length: 16 inches • Designer: J Dauphin • Symbolism
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural 6.6 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Chain Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Chain Length :- 16 Inches Long Customization Available We offer
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Diamond Heart Necklace 14k Gold Choker
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
: – 14k Solid Gold – 9 Natural Single-Cut White Diamonds – Set in 3 Heart Motifs Length: 16 inches
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14KT White Gold Round Cluster Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
, suspended from a delicate white gold chain. Revel in the elegance and timeless beauty of this necklace
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Chain Style Bracelet G SI 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
any way 0.50CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold, Bezel set, 6.2 grams 7 inches in length, 5/16 inch in width
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

TCW 13.61 Zambian Emerald Diamond Chain Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Women Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This TCW 13.61 Zambian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Necklace features a graceful long
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Sweet Alhambra Long Necklace 16 Motifs
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef and Arpels Sweet Alhambra, long necklace, 16 motif White Gold 750 Diamond Quality, DEF
Category

2010s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Spectrum Jewels Pear Cut Natural Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This Pear Cut Natural Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Necklace features a pear-shaped diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

16 Carat Carat Riviera Diamond Tennis Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
of brilliance around the neck. Spanning 16 inches approx. in length, this necklace is meticulously
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond R Initial Necklace
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat White Gold Diamond R Initial Pendant on 16 Inch Chain. The Pendant Contains Round Single
Category

2010s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18KT White Gold Diamond Girl Charm Pendant
Located in New York, NY
18KT white gold girl charm pendant consisting of 0.22CT-TW G-VS round brilliant diamonds. It's an
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18KT White Gold Diamond Boy Charm Pendant
Located in New York, NY
18KT white gold boy charm pendant consisting of 0.06CT-TW G-VS round brilliant diamonds. It's an
Category

2010s North American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18KT White Gold Fancy Oval Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Luxuriate in elegance with this 18KT white gold oval fancy style diamond pendant, boasting a total
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

4.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bracelet 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
way Round Cut Diamond Bracelet 4.00CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong Set, 5.9 gram 7 inches in
Category

2010s American Victorian Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rose Gold Pink Sapphire and White Diamond Necklace
Located in Marlow, GB
Softly radiant and effortlessly elegant, this 16-inch necklace is a celebration of refined
Category

2010s British Chain Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

2.32Ct Heart Cut Pink Gemstone 1.25Ct Diamond Chain Necklace 14k Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
2.32Ct Heart Cut Pink Gemstone 1.25Ct Diamond Chain Necklace 14k Rose Gold This exquisite gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

14K White Gold 0.79 Carat Diamond Station Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
16"-18" perfect for everyday wear. -14K Gold -0.79cts White Diamonds -Natural Round White Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

36.10 Carat Cushion-Cut Kunzite And Diamond in 18k White Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Fancy 16 Inch White Gold Chain. Details: Item Type: Pendant Necklace Metal: 18K White Gold Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold G SI Chain
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.32Ct Heart Cut Pink Gemstone 1.25Ct Diamond Chain Necklace 18k Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
2.32Ct Heart Cut Pink Gemstone 1.25Ct Diamond Chain Necklace 18k Rose Gold This exquisite gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Long 16 Round Diamond Pave Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
necklace (2012) features 16 motifs crafted in rhodium-plated 18K white gold and fully set with round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k White Gold 11.77ctw Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This elegant 18k white gold tennis necklace is a perfect embodiment of sophistication and luxury
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18KT White Gold Garnet And Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful combination of 18KT white gold, 2.84CT round cut garnet, and 0.17CT round cut diamond
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, White Gold

1.49ct Round Irraiated Blue Diamond in 14K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
diamond with a weight of 1.49 carats. A light-weight 16 inch long cable chain is threaded through a slim
Category

2010s Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 4.62 Carat Round Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: New Composition: 14K White Gold Primary Stone: Round Brilliant Diamonds Carat Weight: 4.62
Category

2010s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18k Diamond and Turquoise Necklace with 14k Chain
Located in New York, NY
consistent with age. Length: 16 inch chain, 3 inch pendant Width: 1.25 inch wide pendant Markings: “T864
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Station Necklace
Located in Boston, MA
This elegant vintage necklace features a refined 14K white gold design, showcasing a series of 16
Category

Early 2000s Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

18KT White Gold Natural Orange Diamond Halo Pendant
Located in New York, NY
gold 16-inch ball chain, this necklace is a testament to refined luxury and impeccable craftsmanship
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18KT White Gold 0.19CT Round Cut Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
gold 16-inch round cable chain, creating an elegant and timeless design. Wear this pendant as a
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

15CT Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
: VS2 Chain Size: 16 Inches
Category

2010s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Damiani Sorgente Fashion Necklace in 18k White Gold 1.9 CTW
By Damiani
Located in New York, NY
: Damiani Collection/Series: Sorgente Metal Type: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Chain or Bracelet Length (in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

White Gold

TCW 13.61 Zambian Emerald with Diamond Chain Necklace in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This TCW 13.61 Zambian Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Necklace features a graceful long
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

MARKDOWN, 8.18 Carats Natural Diamonds Cuban Necklace 10K Yellow 16
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
between purity and strength. Length: The necklace measures 16 inches in length, making it suitable for
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

18KT White Gold Natural Star Grey Sapphire Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the allure of extravagance with this exquisite 14KT white gold pendant featuring a
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, White Gold

9.08 TCW Mother Of Pearl Diamond Halo Station Chain Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 9.08 TCW Mother Of Pearl Diamond Halo Station Chain Necklace 14K Yellow Gold features large
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

9.08 TCW Mother Of Pearl Diamond Halo Station Chain Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 9.08 TCW Mother Of Pearl Diamond Halo Station Chain Necklace 18K Yellow Gold features large
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.50Ct Stunning 14K Solid White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.50Ct Splendid 14k Solid White Gold Chain Necklace Amazing looking piece! Total Natural Baguette
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

3.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bracelet 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
White Gold, Prong Set, 6.8 gram 7 inches in length, 1/8 inch in width 5 diamonds - 0.83ct, 70
Category

2010s American Victorian Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Necklace with Diamond Pendant
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat White Gold 16 Inch Necklace with Diamond Pendant. 0.50 total diamond weight. 3.45 grams
Category

2010s Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Real Round Zambian Emerald Gemstone Tennis Chain Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
"" ......................................................................... ★PRODUCT SPECIFICATION★ • ITEM CODE - SECH-7017A • NECKLACE LENGTH - 16 Inches Approx • METAL - 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

36.10 Carat Cushion-Cut Kunzite And Diamond in 18k White Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Fancy 16 Inch White Gold Chain. Details: Item Type: Pendant Necklace Metal: 18K White Gold Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Spectrum Jewels 14 Karat Yellow Gold SI/H Heart Diamond Pendant Chain Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 14 Karat Yellow Gold SI/H Heart Diamond Pendant Chain Necklace features a heart-shaped diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

3.7 Carat Heart Shape Cluster Diamond Tennis Chain Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
3.7 Carat Heart Shape Cluster Diamond Tennis Chain Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold Each diamond is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

3.7 Carat Heart Shape Cluster Diamond Tennis Chain Necklace 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
3.7 Carat Heart Shape Cluster Diamond Tennis Chain Necklace 18 Karat Rose Gold Each diamond is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

7.2 Carat Baguette and Round Cut Chain Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
7.2 Carat Baguette and Round Cut Chain Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold Jewelry The necklace features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

7.2 Carat Baguette and Round Cut Chain Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
7.2 Carat Baguette and Round Cut Chain Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Jewelry The necklace features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bar Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold G SI Chain
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bar Necklace 14K Yellow Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bar Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold G SI Chain
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bar Necklace 14K Rose Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

14 Karat White Gold 0.10 Carat Diamond Bar Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
Gold -0.10 ct. White Diamonds -Diamond Color G-H -Clarity SI1-SI2 -16"-18" Inch Chain Length -Gift Box
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

.30 Carat Diamond by the Yard White Gold Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
14k white gold. Lobster catch. 16 inches 3 round single cut diamonds, H-I SI approx. .30cts 14k white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 0.35ct Diamond Station Necklace for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
; colours available in white and yellow gold. Adjustable length 16"-18" Inches. Surprise Your Loved Ones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

0.87 Ct Pink Sapphire Studded Lips Pendant Chain Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
0.87 Ct Pink Sapphire Studded Lips Pendant Chain Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold This exquisite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

0.87 Ct Pink Sapphire Studded Lips Pendant Chain Necklace 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
0.87 Ct Pink Sapphire Studded Lips Pendant Chain Necklace 18 Karat Rose Gold This exquisite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18KT White Gold Oval Ruby and Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 18kt white gold pendant features a stunning oval-cut ruby weighing 0.70ct
Category

2010s North American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

0.15 Carat Natural Diamond Infinity Bracelet 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Color: G-H Dia Clarity: SI 14K White Gold, Pave style, 1.5 grams 7 inches in length, 1/4 inch in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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16 Inch White Gold Chains For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of 16 inch white gold chains. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from gold, 14k gold and white gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 308 vintage editions and 2586 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. contemporary and modern are consistently popular styles when it comes to 16 inch white gold chains. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but David Morris, Roman Malakov and Galt Bro. Jewelers produced popular versions that are worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for round cut 16 inch white gold chains and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and brilliant cut alternatives. If you’re browsing the variety of 16 inch white gold chains for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are 16 Inch White Gold Chains?

Prices for 16 inch white gold chains start at $1 and top out at $780,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $2,699.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

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This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

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A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.